SLE DIRECTORY 2015/2016

SLE DIRECTORY Specialist Leaders of Education F y l d e C o a s t Te a c h i n g S c h o o l A l l i a n c e 2015/2016

Key facts:

Specialist leaders of Specialist Leaders of Education education Key Facts :

Information for schools :

Information for schools www.education.gov.uk/national college/sle

www.education.gov.uk/nationalcollege/sle Specialist leaders of education (SLEs) are Specialist leaders of education (SLEs) are who have outstanding middle and senior leaders outstanding middle and senior leaders whoinhave the skills to support individuals or teams similar the skills to individuals teams in similar positions in support other schools.

Theyorunderstand what positions in other schools.practice They understand what outstanding leadership in their area of outstanding leadership practice in their area of expertise looks like, and are skilled in helping expertise lookstolike, and are in helping other leaders achieve it inskilled their own context. other leaders to achieve it in their own context.

The Schools White Paper introduced the concept of the SLE role, which will help to improve the quality of school leadership through school-to-school support and peer-topeer learning, ultimately raising standards and improving outcomes for children. This designation recognises the important role that many senior and middle leaders play in supporting their peers to develop.

Around 1,000 SLEs were designated in 2011–12, with the aim of building to 5,000 by 2014–15 in line with the expansion of the teaching school model. In time, we anticipate 10,000 SLEs to be designated to ensure full national coverage. Teaching schools will have the role of designating SLEs and brokering their deployment into other schools.

: Key Facts points: 1.

1 Whilst SLEs will be outstanding at what they do, they can come from any school, regardless of the school’s Ofsted grade. However, the headteacher must agree that the school has the capacity to release them. designation criteria, criteria, which can be found in full on our website.

2.

2 SLEs need to meet strict designation

3.

3 SLEs have expertise in a specific area, for example a subject area, inclusion, literacy, early years, behaviour or school business management. A list of areas areas of expertise can be found on our website.

4.

4 There is no pre-defined time commitment for SLE work because models and types of deployment will vary.

5.

5 There are no plans to have a payscale for SLEs, or a set payment rate for SLE time. Deployment may result in some funding for the SLE’s school, although this will need to be agreed by the schools involved and by the appropriate teaching school alliance. Even if remuneration does not take the form of direct funding, it could involve an exchange of services that may help support or enhance an area of the SLE’s school.

6.

6 Find out more about SLEs online at www.education.gov.uk/nationalcollege/sle. www.education.gov.uk/nationalcollege/sle

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Joining is easy and membership is free. Visit www.nationalcollege.org.uk/membership.

Key facts:

Key facts :

Specialist leaders of education

Specialist Leaders of Education

Information for schools

Information for schools:

How will a specialist leader of education benefit my school ?

How will a specialist leader of education benefit my school?

The SLE’s own school

The SLE’s own school

School-to-school support enables the sharing and development of outstanding, innovative practice, which can benefit both schools in a partnership. The NLE and LLE programmes have School-to-school support enables the sharing and development of outstanding, innovative practice, which can shown that undertaking outreach work can further improve an individual’s ability to undertake benefit both schools in a partnership. The NLE and LLE programmes have shown that undertaking outreach their current role in school.

work can further improve an individual’s ability to undertake their current role in school.

The SLE programme will: – be an excellent form of CPD for middle and senior leaders, enabling them to enhance their knowledge, skills and abilities in a variety of ways – further develop SLEs’ coaching, mentoring and facilitation skills, which can also be used to support colleagues in their own school through internal training and development – give individuals the opportunity to learn about different school contexts and systems, which will in turn help them to develop their practice in their own school – support schools’ internal succession-planning strategies, by enabling individuals to demonstrate they are ready to step up to the next leadership level – support staff retention by motivating and re-energising leaders who are taking on this new role – possibly result in some funding for the SLE’s own school, although this will be agreed by the schools involved and by the appropriate teaching school alliance. Even if remuneration does not take the form of direct funding, it could involve an exchange of services that may help support or enhance an area of the SLE’s school

School in receipt of SLEof support Schools in receipt SLE support Feedback from current SLEwork workand andsimilar similar leadership leadership programmes programmes tells tells us us that Feedback from current SLE that leaders leaders value value and andbenefit benefit from support of their peers. from the support of their peers.

This type of peer support: – is credible, because it is rooted in current leadership practice and draws on real, relevant experience – takes place within the supported school, with the SLE working alongside staff and taking into account demands on their time – is flexible and bespoke, adapting to the particular needs of the supported school – brings a fresh perspective to specific challenges or issues, as well as specialist knowledge and expertise – takes a coaching approach, meaning that development will be collaborative – helps to assure long-term, sustainable improvement - the aim is to help supported leaders to develop their own leadership capacity – can contribute to improving school performance overall, by providing a specific focus for development and implementing tangible goals that staff can really engage with

school?

SLE support is brokered by teaching schools. If you would like to commission SLE support you will need to contact a teaching school directly. A directory of expertise listing the current designated SLEs by teaching school, can be found on our website.

To find out more about specialist leaders of education please visit the website: www.education.gov.uk/nationalcollege/sle

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How I request SLE support for my school ?

Howcan can I request SLE support for my

Specialist Leaders of Education Key & C u r r i c u l u m A r e a s The Fylde Coast Teaching School Alliance has a strong and growing network of accredited, trained and dedicated SLEs. They are ready to support you and your school in the key and curriculum areas below : Academies Martin Pickles (S) Louise Shaw (P)

Attendance Sarah Rainford (S)

Behaviour for Learning Lucinda Campbell (S) (SF)

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Lucinda Campbell (S) (SF)

Design & Technology Tom Kearns (S)

End of Key Stage Samantha Upton (P)

Foundation Stage Early Years Caroline Boothroyd (P) Holly Wood (P) Leadership Rebecca Bain (S) Stephanie Benson (S) Caroline Boothroyd (P) Lucinda Campbell (S) (SF) Sarah Coldbeck (P) Peter Davies (P) (S) Tim Freeman (S) (SF) Tom Kearns (S) Tracy Lowe (S) (SF) Amanda Morton (P) Rosie Sycamore (P) (S) Catherine Vance (S) Pupil Achievement and use of Data Kay Anne Brown (P) Charlotte Marsden (S) Clare Montgomery (S)

Humanities Initial Teacher Tracy Lowe (S) (SF) Training Programme Sharon Skiffington (S)

Business Management Martin Pickles (S) Sarah Rainford (S) Louise Shaw (P) Maria Taylor (P) English Fiona Bate (S) Estelle Bellamy (S) Kay Anne Brown (P) Charlotte Marsden (S) Amanda Morton (S) Bea Tingey (S) Law Tracy Lowe (S) (SF)

Literacy Maths Samantha Upton (P) Sarah Coldbeck (P) Peter Davies (P) (S) Charlotte Marsden (P) Clare Montgomery (S) Amanda Stokes (P)

Phonics Holly Wood (P)

Science Special Educational Catherine Vance (S) Needs & Disabilities (SEND) Charlotte Blundell (P) Cherryl Drabble (P) (S) Rosie Sycamore (P) (S)

Teaching & Learning Lucinda Campbell (S)(SF) Tom Kearns (S) Tim Freeman (S)(SF) Tracy Lowe (S)(SF) Amanda Stokes (P) Sharon Skiffington (S) Gail Yeadon (S)

P = Primary, S = Secondary, SF = Sixth Form

Specialist Leaders of Education P r o fi l e s

Name:

Fiona Bate

Home School:

Hogdson Academy

Title:

Head of Griffin House and English teacher

Sector focus:

Secondary

Area of expertise: English

I have worked at Hodgson Academy for the last 14 years with a number of roles. My official title at the moment is Enhanced head of house and student engagement, but I have just been promoted to the role of SENCO and senior DSL officer.

My specialism is in the subject of English and I also work as an outstanding facilitator in teaching and learning - constantly staying at the cutting edge of change has become a habit in my life.

Inspirational quote: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.� - Mae West.

I am passionate about my pastoral role, hence moving further into this field. Working closely with young people to break down the barriers for them to access learning and spring boarding them into a life that is filled with success is the most important work that we, as educators, can do.

Name:

Estelle Bellamy

Home School:

Blackpool Sixth Form College

Title:

Head of English and Modern Foreign Languages

Sector focus:

Secondary

Area of expertise: English

Inspirational quote: �A teacher affects eternity ; he can never tell where his influence stops.� Henry Adams Aside from the obvious gender compromise in the aforementioned quotation, I fully endorse the sentiment as it encapsulates the importance and excitement of my job. I have been working in the post-16 sector since 1996. During this time I have taught a range of A Levels and GCSEs: English Literature and English Language A Level, English GCSE, Media Studies A Level and GCSE, Film Studies A Level, General Studies A Level and Key Skills Communication Level 2 and 3. In addition to this, I have been trained to deliver the English component of the International Baccalaureate.

I have also been responsible for delivering the Extended Project Qualification for those students performing above advanced level standard, and have supported students in gaining places at Oxford, Cambridge Harvard and Yale. I recently worked with Pearson Education on their A Level Strategic Development Committee (for A Level reform) to offer a contribution to the design of the new A Level specifications and am working as an examiner for WJEC. Currently I am the Head of Department for English and Modern Foreign Languages at Blackpool Sixth Form College. I am particularly proud of the improvements I have made to A level English Literature (2012/13) and to GCSE English (11% pass rate increase in 2014).

I have made recent contributions to the Association of Colleges about the latter and am leading the Quality Improvement Group for the Fylde Coast Academy Trust.

Name:

Charlotte Blundell

Home School:

Hambleton Primary Academy

Title:

Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator

Sector focus:

Primary

Area of expertise: SEND I have been teaching for 13 years and have had the role of SENCO for seven. We as a school, have a very clear vision for learning and as a well-established member of this team I am used to taking on strategic leadership roles to develop policy and practice within our school which will enhance and promote our strong school ethos.

Following extensive data analysis and discussions with staff I have adapted a new way of coordinating special needs and through attendance at SENCO cluster meetings I am kept abreast of current thinking based upon up to date research outcomes and I incorporate new and innovative ideas in an effort to improve my own practice, and that of others.

Inspirational quote: "When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts." Dalai Lama I have supported staff whose planning for special needs children needed some fine tuning, with positive results for children’s achievement, as evidenced in school data.

I have supported students and many members of staff, (new and experienced) with their planning for SEN children to promote effective practice. I have led meetings where I have shown exemplar plans and helped colleagues to plan similarly. Additionally, I hold many informal meetings with staff to reinforce strategies and procedures. Meetings such as these can be extremely productive and I feel that by being friendly and approachable as well as a knowledgeable and experienced, I have the skills and credibility to develop colleagues and promote best practice.

I have been a Special Needs Coordinator for 7 years and am currently developing the New SEND reforms throughout school, ensuring that the needs of all children are met through rigorous assessment and communication and dialogue between staff.

Name:

Caroline Boothroyd

Home School:

Hawes Primary School

Title:

Vice Principal

Sector focus:

Primary

Area of expertise: Leadership, Foundation Stage Early Year I am currently Vice Principal at a large Primary School in Blackpool where I have worked since September 1994. Alongside being Vice Principal, I am also the school’s SENCO/Inclusion Manager and have a responsibility for teaching and learning across the key stages. The school caters for a varied range of families and individual needs. Over the years the footprint of the school has changed, it has increased in size. We currently have 610 children on roll.

I am passionate about teaching within the Early Years and have a love of literacy; both are areas that I have led within the school. I have also been Phase leader for KS1 and KS2 as well as a Leading English Teacher for the authority.

Inspirational quote: "You can do what I cannot do. I can do what you cannot do. Together we can do great things.�

Mother Teresa My leadership roles to date have had a positive impact on raising standards within the school. For example, in 2014, 83% of the children in Y1 attained the expected standard in the Phonic assessment, 9% above the national average. This significant increase in standards for the school was due to a clear analysis of teaching and learning and a focused action plan being put into place. This process enabled me to utilise and build upon key leadership skills as part of my continuing professional development.

Being an SLE opens up many opportunities to further develop good practice and raise standards within schools. I gain great satisfaction from working with a diverse range of people, knowing that I have empowered others with the ultimate impact of benefiting the children who are at the heart of all we do.

Name:

Kay Anne Brown

Current School:

Norbreck Primary Academy

Title:

Senior Manager

Sector focus:

Primary

Area of expertise: Data, English My professional Background: Sept 2011 – current: Assessment and moderation UKS2 Jan 2008 – Sept 2011: Teaching and Learning role - Creative Curriculum, Curriculum Development and Assessment 2005 – 2008: Speaking and listening associate consultant – Brigend Project 2000 – 2008: Leader of Literacy – head of Literacy Faculty, Design Technology and Art curriculum leader June 2011 – Shadsworth Junior School: As part of the leadership team, I was directly responsible and involved in the development of teaching and learning across the school. My role as team leader for Upper KS2 enable me to assist colleagues to strive to make ‘value – added’ progress and ensure accelerated learning. The process involved in developing a new, appropriate and manageable assessment system was complex and involved all members of the leadership team in research, analysis, staff training and support. I designed and developed a new skill-based curriculum approach supporting creativity during my first 2 years at the school.

Norbreck Primary School: On arrival to Norbreck, I was able to set in place a period of assessment and testing that enabled pupils to qualify for extra time in KS2 SATs. As a result of this, 14% of the cohort was found to qualify for a 25% time extension during testing. The school had not previously utilised this opportunity and its impact upon the results is not yet clear – but we project a very positive outcome. More importantly, it allowed pupils to receive their entitlement to extra time. Furthermore, with reference to KS” SATs, I was able to set in place the required evidence collecting procedures for additional support such as scribes and readers.

My key skills and areas of impact and success: Assessment, tracking pupil progress and data – moderation, Literacy – EYFS, KS1, KS2, Creative Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, Initial Teacher Training, Behaviour and discipline

Name:

Lucinda Campbell

Home School:

Blackpool Sixth Form College

Title:

Head of Performing Arts, Music and Media

Sector focus:

Secondary and Sixth Form

Area of expertise: CPD, Teaching and Learning, Behaviour for Learning, Leadership I have been the Head of Performing Arts, Music and Media at Blackpool Sixth Form College since August 2012. I am also a specialist dance and performing arts teacher, an AQA practical dance examiner and international schools dance teacher and leader, as well as a Behavior for Learning specialist. My SLE specialism is improving standards in teaching and learning.

Inspirational quote: “The true sign of intelligence is not the knowledge but the imagination." Albert Einstein I have 10 years’ teaching experience within 3 Outstanding Sixth Form colleges in the North West and have achieved a grade 1 in every lesson observation for the last 10 years.

As a behavior for Learning Champion, since 2014, I have delivered CPD across the Fylde Coast Teaching Alliance to improve teaching and learning and have acted as a Research and Development Coordinator for The Fylde Coast Teaching School.

I was the Head of Performance, Senior Tutor and Vocational Coordinator at Cardinal Newman College, Preston, (2010-2012) and the Head of Dance, Manager of LSIS Beacon Project – cross college role, Mentoring for Excellence, Learning Champion at Priestley Sixth Form College, Warrington (2005-2010).

My key skills and areas of impact and success are the following:  I have experience of improving, teaching and learning across Cheshire and Warrington Consortium of Colleges, through mentoring and coaching.  CPD delivered to Cheshire and Warrington Consortium of Colleges - Improving Teaching and Learning across an Institute.  Managed and led LSIS Beacon project - 'Mentoring for Excellence' to improve lesson observations from 2 to 1. 40% improvement over 2 year project with 30 staff involved.  Experience of increasing recruitment, attendance and raising standards and driving success at Cardinal Newman College in Preston.

Name:

Sarah Coldbeck

Home School:

Mereside Primary School

Title:

Deputy Head and Maths Subject Leader

Sector focus:

Primary

Area of expertise: Mathematics, Leadership

I am currently Deputy Head and Maths Subject Leader at Mereside Primary School. Prior to this, I was a Primary Consultant for Blackpool Local Authority, a post I held for three years. This post allowed me to work with a number of schools across Blackpool, supporting individual teachers, whole staff teams, subject coordinators and senior leadership teams. As part of the role I delivered bespoke training to colleagues and focused individual support designed to impact on teaching and learning.

Inspirational quote: “There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.� Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Through my role as a Primary Consultant I supported teaching and learning in every year group by leading planning and teaching sessions. This has included regular modelled teaching and coaching which has maximised the learning potential in a range of schools. This experience across the primary phase, in a variety of schools, has given me an invaluable overview of progression in maths enabling me to continue to support teaching and learning outside of my own school.

Name:

Peter Davies

Home School:

Hodgson Academy

Title:

Assistant Principal

Sector focus:

Primary, Secondary

Area of expertise: Mathematics, Leadership I have been teaching for over 30 years and my previous positions have seen me as a Head of Mathematics, Director of Technology, Director of Mathematics and most recently as Assistant Principal at Hodgson Academy. I have had considerable experience mentoring both ITT students and NQTs and I am currently the Lead Subject Mentor in Mathematics for the Fylde Coast Teaching School Alliance School Direct ITT programme.

I became an SLE in order to contribute to the education of all students. As an SLE I have recently undertaken a more active role in school to school support and have overseen improvement in mathematics departments in both secondary schools and primary schools. I am currently delivering a 15 week Subject Knowledge Enhancement course in mathematics to non-specialist teachers

Inspirational quote: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.� Thomas A. Edison My specialisms in Mathematics are developing leadership skills, improving subject knowledge and pedagogy, helping students bridge the gap at GCSE from grade D to C, CPD and mentoring NQTs and trainee teachers.

In recent years I have been appointed to positions with the direct responsibility of addressing under performance. I was appointed as a Director of Technology with the task of urgently addressing areas of underperformance in certain subject areas of Technology. By supporting staff, combined with various intervention strategies, I was able to oversee dramatic improvement in pupil performance.

Similarly, in Mathematics, I was appointed as the Director of Cluster and oversaw the highest percentage of A*-C grades, 85% in 2010. Having taken over a department that lacked guidance and was generally demotivated, with the support of the Senior Leadership team and the development of a new Mathematics department, I significantly improved both performance and staff morale in the department.

Name:

Cherryl Drabble

Title:

Assistant Head Teacher

Home School:

Highfurlong School

Sector focus:

Primary & Secondary

Area of expertise: SEND

I am an Assistant Head Teacher at Highfurlong Special School in Blackpool. My role includes CPD Leader, Assessment Leader, ITT and NQT Mentor. I have 14 years’ experience in teaching children with SEND and 9 years as a Senior Leader. I have an MA in Inclusion/SEND. I have regularly visited mainstream schools and passed on my knowledge to teachers and head teachers where invited.

I am a prolific blogger on the topics of SEND, Leadership, Ofsted and many other subjects. I have a sizeable following on Twitter where I am regularly asked for my opinions relating to education and in particular SEND. Just recently I have been designated as an SLE. Becoming an SLE is my next logical career move as I do not want to be a Head Teacher. I am enjoying working with another SLE to design and deliver a course for teaching assistants for the Teaching School Alliance. My next challenge is to run a successful twilight for the Alliance showing the benefits of the use of Social Media in education.

Inspirational quote in the words of Ignacio Estrada: "If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn".

Name:

Tim Freeman

Title:

Director of Fylde Coast Teaching School

Sector focus:

Secondary, Sixth Form

Area of expertise: Leadership, Teaching & Learning

I have 20 years of teaching experience, 9 of which have been at Blackpool Sixth Form College. I began at the college as a tutor of Film and Media Studies teaching both level 2 and 3 and progressed to curriculum leader and then head of department for Visual Arts and Media. I am currently a senior leader at the college and coordinate staff development.

In July 2012 I was appointed as one of the directors of the Fylde Coast Teaching School Alliance.

In this role I jointly manage the day-to-day business of the Alliance ensuring a continued emphasis on teaching and learning, leadership and management and school-to-school support.

As an SLE I have been deployed in both primary and secondary schools to support leadership and management.

I was appointed as the head of department of a newly formed Visual Arts and Media department shortly after the 2006 OFSTED inspection rated the department and the college as Satisfactory. I built a new team and together we developed strategies to improve student outcomes. In the 2009 OFSTED inspection the department received an outstanding grade as did the college.

The results for students taking art and design have been sustained and remain within the top 10% in the country.

Inspirational quote: “Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.�

Nelson Mandela

Name:

Tom Kearns

Current School:

Hodgson Academy

Title:

Senior Assistant Principal

Sector focus:

Secondary,

Area of expertise: Design and Technology, Teaching & Learning, Leadership

My professional background: I am currently employed at Hodgson Academy and hold the position; Senior Assistant Principal with responsibility for teaching and learning and behaviour for learning.

Prior to this I was employed at Hodgson for 4 years as a director of cluster for the technology cluster which comprises D&T, PE and Art. I was head of D&T at Ridgeway high school on the Wirral for 4 years before coming to Hodgson.

Inspirational quote: "teaching and learning are at the heart of all that we do" My key skills and areas of impact and success: Leadership development Raising achievement through personalised tracking and intervention and teaching and learning development.

Name:

Tracy Lowe

Home School:

Blackpool Sixth Form College

Title:

Head of Humanities

Sector focus:

Secondary, Sixth Form

Area of expertise: Law, Humanities, Teaching & Learning I have been Head of Humanities at Blackpool Sixth Form College since 2009. In my current role I manage 5 subjects & have approximately 800 students taking History, Geography, Religious Studies, Law and Classical Civilisation. I was a practising solicitor for 7 years before joining the college.

One of the key successes has been my ability to nurture the development of a wide range of new staff into high performing tutors.

"Your students will not remember what you taught them....but they will remember forever the way you made them feel."

Inspirational quote based on a quote by Mary Angelou Developing staff has always been something that I have seen as important and there’s a great satisfaction in seeing people grow and identifying and developing future leaders. Recently I met with a Middle Leader from a local High School who commented: "This opportunity allowed me to discuss difficult conversations, career plans, and coaching and mentoring with an experienced head of department from a completely different institution. Tracy and I spoke about what I would look for and want to develop in staff if taking on the role of a head of department. We discussed examples of difficult conversations with faculty staff and members of the SLT. It was encouraging to talk to someone who had very similar beliefs about teaching and learning to myself and I felt reassured that my philosophy regarding AfL, thorough planning and pupil-teacher relationships are sound."

I also have a track record of delivering Law to a high standard achieving High Grades well above the NA and Very Good Value Added.

Name:

Charlotte Marsden

Current School:

Highfield Humanities College

Sector focus:

Secondary

Area of expertise:

Pupil achievement and use of data, English, Maths

I have been teaching since 1999 at Highfield Humanities College, Blackpool. I started as an NQT History teacher, progressed to Head of History and then Head of Humanities. I am currently Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for raising achievement. I am also heavily involved in data and assessment, recording and reporting across the whole school. I have been in my current role for 4 years.

Inspirational quote: “Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later.”

When I was appointed Assistant Headteacher results rose from 68% 5AC to 75% and 5ACEM from 44% to 55%; English A*-C rose from 68% to 72% and Maths from 59% to 65%. Through the use of data, teachers ‘know’ their pupils and their needs in the classroom. This allows them to plan more effective lessons and differentiate accordingly. These successes are due to my use of strong communication skills, my ability to quickly identify a problem or potential issue and create an effective solution.

Name:

Clare Montgomery

Home School:

Montgomery High School

Title:

Deputy Headteacher

Sector focus:

Secondary

Area of expertise: Mathematics, Assessment tracking Pupil Progress and Data I have twenty years’ experience as a Mathematics teacher and have SLE specialism in Mathematics. I have been the Head of a successful ICT Department and a Year Head along my journey to this point. I have been a member of the school Leadership Team for seven years. I have whole-school expertise in tracking pupil progress, interventions and school self-evaluation with responsibility for writing and actioning key areas of the SEF and School Single Plan. I work closely with the English and Mathematics departments with a school improvement focus. I also hold a direct responsibility for the outcomes of disadvantaged students.

Inspirational quote: “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

Mark Twain I have worked successfully with Curriculum Leaders and their teams to help bring about real curriculum area improvement which has directly impacted upon outcomes for the young people under our care.

I have also worked as a SISRA Guru, travelling the country to help existing and prospective SISRA users at training events to become more familiar with the features of this powerful software tool.

Name:

Amanda Morton

Home School:

Montgomery High School

Title:

Assistant Head Teacher

Sector focus:

Secondary

Area of expertise: Leadership, English I completed my English/History degree in 1994, achieving a 2:1 BA (Hons), before embarking on a 2 year Law conversion course at The College of Law; Guildford. I completed my PGCE in English and secured my first teaching post at Morecambe High School in 1997, where I taught for 4 years.

I was promoted to Assistant Year Head, a position I held for 2 years before leaving to teach in New Zealand. On returning to England, I was offered a position as English teacher at Montgomery High School, where I applied for and was offered the promoted post of Assistant Curriculum Leader; English – a post I held for 6 years. In 2009 I was successful in my application to become Curriculum Leader, a position I held for 3 years.

In 2010 I was appointed as a Specialist Leader in Education: English. More recently, I was successful in being appointed as Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for English, Literacy and overseeing our partnership with the RSC. My responsibilities have since extended to leadership link for Humanities (History and Geography) and I have also become part of the Teaching & Learning Team.

Inspirational quote: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” Steve Jobs My key skills and areas of impact and success: I re-structured curriculum delivery at both Key Stage 3 and 4 so as to maximise progress and levels of attainment. Results have steadily risen and this academic year we achieved 83% A* - C, our highest results to date. I achieved the Excellence and Improvement Award in English for the department; achieved due to a strong and committed team who all share the same goal as myself- success at every level.

My main priority at present is to drive maximum attainment across the three curriculum areas for which I have responsibility. I challenge current practice and direct new initiatives to extend best practice seen in English to other departments. I hold leaders to account and ensure that attainment is at the heart of everything we, as a team, do.

I have extended best practice in literacy across the school delivering INSET and CPD sessions to all staff and associate staff. I enjoy driving new initiatives so as to allow our students the best possible opportunities for developing their literacy skills. Ofsted commented that ‘“Students’ literacy skills are well supported throughout the school” (Ofsted May 2014).

Overall I believe in driving achievement and working collaboratively together as a team to get the best possible outcomes for our students. They only come our way once: we must make it count!

Name:

Martin Pickles

Home School:

Hodgson Academy

Title:

Academy Finance Director

Sector focus:

Secondary

Area of expertise: Business support, Academies

Prior to entering the education system I spent 17 years working in the banking industry. I have spent the last 15 years at Hodgson as Business Manager / Finance Director and helped oversee our conversion to academy status in 2011. I have been a member of the Strategic Leadership Team at Hodgson since I joined the school.

Hodgson is an 11 – 16 mixed comprehensive school that converted to an academy on 1 st May, 2011. Since that time my role has adjusted to reflect the increased demands of academy status. I have successfully run balanced budgets during my time as a Business Manager / Finance Director and ensured that the financial resources have been in place to allow the school to meet its objectives set out within its development planning. Our last Ofsted report commented that the school gave excellent value for money.

Inspirational quote: ”The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” Confucius I have overseen the conversion of the school to academy status from start to finish and gained an understanding of the many tasks that need to be completed to ensure a successful process.

In fifteen years of business management I have gained substantial experience in overseeing school administration, property, health and safety and staffing matters as well as being involved in the strategic running of the school

Name:

Sarah Rainford

Home School:

Blackpool Sixth Form

Sector focus:

Secondary

Area of expertise:

Business support, Data

My professional Background: 4 years with Lancashire Adult Learning as MIS Officer responsible for data capture, cleansing and reporting and maximising funding opportunities.

Joined Blackpool Sixth Form College in 2006 as College Information Systems Manager and progressed to Head of Management Information Systems and Examinations in 2010.

Responsibilities are to lead the development and maintenance of the internal bespoke Information Systems, data management and reporting functions ensure a secure, effective and inclusive examination service.

My key skills and areas of impact and success: Under my leadership two very disparate teams have successfully harmonised into a responsive and dynamic data hub, responsive to the rigorous internal and external reporting demands required to stay at the forefront of Further Education. The bespoke internal systems are constantly under review and responsive to needs to ensure ‘Management data are accurate, available in a wide range of forms to all staff and used very well to support performance monitoring and learner progress’ (Outstanding Ofsted Report June 2009)

Name:

Louise Shaw

Home School:

Hambleton Primary Academy & Nursery School

Title:

Business Manager

Sector focus:

Primary

Area of expertise: Business support, Academies

I am currently a Primary Academy Business Manager and I have been in this role for 7 years. I am also a member of the SLT. I cover all aspects of business management, including finance and budgeting, admissions, attendance, insurance, staffing, pensions, management information systems, property and buildings management, cleaning and caretaking and health & safety. I have also been through the Academy conversion process and feel I have a very broad and in-depth spectrum of knowledge over many areas.

Motto: “Improvise, adapt, overcome” …….Marines I am highly organised, have the ability to work alone and as part of a team and have excellent interpersonal skills. I am a Governor and a member of the Lancashire School’s Forum and since starting at Hambleton, I feel I have expanded the role and made it my own. We were also graded as Outstanding, receiving 1’s in every category, during our last Ofsted Inspection in June 2013.

Name:

Sharon Skiffington

Home School:

Montgomery High School

Title:

Senior Assistant Headteacher

Sector focus:

Secondary

Area of expertise: Teaching & Learning, Initial Teacher Training My current role is that of Senior Assistant Headteacher – Teaching and Learning and Staff development at Montgomery High School. To get to this point in my career I have purposefully taken on varied leadership roles in order to ensure that I understand all aspects of a school and its community.

Teaching and learning is my passion and I fully recognise that the quality of teaching across a school, and the leadership of teachers in their own classrooms, underpins everything that a school and its students are likely to achieve. With this in mind I have developed a Learning Community programme across the school that supports co planning and collaboration in all areas of continued professional development. This includes coaching and mentoring programmes as well as personalised programmes of continued professional development for all teachers that is related to a coherent self-evaluation programme that we have christened “never less than good.”

Inspirational quote: “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin Planning engaging and relevant lessons for our students and ensuring that they receive developmental feedback, which they are given time to act upon, has been my most recent initiative.

In order to ensure that my own knowledge of teaching and learning pedagogy is as good as it could be, and so I am able to lead effectively in this area, I have recently completed the first stage of a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice. This has also enabled me to deliver my own School Direct training programme in association with the University of Cumbria.

Name:

Rosie Sycamore

Current School:

Highfurlong School

Title:

Headteacher

Sector focus:

Primary, Secondary

Area of expertise: SEND, Leadership

In a career lasting over 20 years, I have successfully taught in two local high schools and currently in a special school. Throughout my career I have welcomed the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and skills in a number of key leadership and management roles as a Head of year 7, Acting Head of Department, Assistant Headteacher, Director of Specialism and as the Deputy Headteacher at Highfurlong School since 2010.

I have worked with colleagues from a number of schools, through the Youth Sports Trust, Enterprise Education through the HERO project, PFEG, 14-19 Lancashire Forum Special schools and the Learning Skills Improvement Service.

I always strive to develop my own personal skills achieving an Advanced Diploma in Special Needs in Education and an MA in Education. In addition I have completed the University of Manchester’s Centre of Educational Leadership Coaching program. I have embedded this successfully in my practice and used in all areas of my support to others. In February 2012 I was appointed to the role of SLE.

Inspirational quote: “The child is at the heart of everything, never ever give up on them and inspire them to be the very best they can be. “Inspire, Challenge, Believe”.

Name:

Maria Taylor

Home School:

Breck Primary School

Title:

Business Manager

Sector focus:

Primary

Area of expertise: Business support I am the School Business Manager at Breck Primary School in Poulton-le-Fylde. I started my career working in the Insolvency Department of a firm of Chartered Accountants, chairing Creditors Meetings and attending company hearings at court including the Royal Courts of Justice.

I worked for more than 10 years in London, Manchester and Preston.

I spent the following 10 years working as a Practice Manager for 2 law firms and was responsible for maintaining the grant funding from the Legal Services Commission and submission and return of legal costs involved in complex cases including child protection.

Inspirational quote: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” George Eliot I joined Breck Primary School in 2008 as the Finance Officer, completed my studies through the NCTL obtaining CSBM, DSBM and BA Hons in School Business Management and was appointed the Business Manager in 2012. I have been instrumental in successfully taking the school through external financial audits and am a member of the SLT. I have worked closely in collaboration with colleagues from other primary schools sharing good practice. I coach and mentor both teaching and business students in school. I am the school’s ESafety Champion.

My expertise is in project management and achieving “Value for Money” including procurement, tendering and sourcing local contractors to ensure school ownership of a project. I have been instrumental in developing many improved procedures in the school office.

I love a challenge and am very much committed to providing excellent opportunities for children through outstanding education and developing “whole school team excellence” especially via effective CPD.

Name:

Samantha Upton

Home School:

Hambleton Primary Academy

Title:

Assistant Headteacher

Sector focus:

Primary

Area of expertise: End of Key Stage, Literacy I began teaching in 1998, as a year 3 teacher in Fleetwood, where I co-ordinated P.E. I was at the school for 4 years where I was graded as outstanding by Ofsted. I then changed local authorities and worked in a Blackpool school for 18 months as a year 5 teacher, also as P.E. subject leader.

Again I was graded as outstanding by Ofsted.

Ten years ago I joined Hambleton Academy as part of the senior leadership team and for the last 3 years, I have been Assistant Headteacher.

In my time at Hambleton I have been English / Maths / History / Geography / AGT / MFL / P.E. / E.V.C. and NQT co-ordinator, a Lead literacy teacher for Lancashire and Head of KS2. I am currently in charge of the whole school curriculum with a focus on standards from nursery to year 6. I have also taught in year 6 throughout this time.

Inspirational quote: 'The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see’. Alexandra K. Trenfor My main areas of skill are in the improving of standards in KS2 / Year 6 / improving teaching and learning. Year on year we have seen an increase in SATs results, but also in the achievement of all classes throughout KS2.

Following extensive data analysis and discussions I have set challenging targets for both the teaching and learning in key stage 2 and spent time with individual teachers, as well as holding regular whole key stage meetings with support staff to develop an understanding of where our children are and where we need them to get to, looking closely at current data but also that of KS1 results and scores upon entry to school in reception.

Study the data of different groups of children in school and look for discrepancies in the achievements of different groups. This approach has had a positive and sustained impact on standards within our school

Name:

Holly Wood

Current School:

Hambleton Primary Academy

Title:

Deputy Headteacher

Sector focus:

Primary

Area of expertise: Foundation Stage Early Years, Phonics My professional background: I have worked at Hambleton Primary Academy since 2001. Since being at Hambleton my leadership roles have been as follows;       

Early Years Leader since 2001 teaching Reception.

Lead Teacher for Early Years for the Local Authority.

AST for Early Years since April 2004.

Deputy Headteacher at Hambleton Academy since 2005.

LA Assessment Moderator for the EYFSP (Early Years Foundation Stage Profile) for over 3 years.

I have completed a Certificate in Early Years Education from Manchester Metropolitan University.

I have held Early Years training sessions at school with our staff and staff from other schools.

My key skills and areas of impact and success: Pupils enter the Foundation Stage at Hambleton with abilities in line with national expectations; make outstanding progress through the Foundation Stage entering KS1 with standards above Lancashire and national averages.

EYFSP data (2011) end of Foundation Stage showed that 

 

100% levels of achievement overall (78+ on EYFSP) compared to Lancashire’s average of 75.7% and national average of 75%. This cohort entered Reception with an average EYFSP score of 34.2, in line with national expectations, and left with an average of 96.9, much higher than national average, this indicates outstanding progress.

Pips baseline also showed that the overwhelming majority of children made outstanding progress.

100% of children achieved 6+ in CLLD/PSED, much higher than the local (56.1) average.

Significant differences in the progress of groups in the EYFS:    

There were no significant differences in the attainment of children in identified groups.

All children identified as having SEN or lower than expected ability on entry scored in excess of 78+.

All of the children identified as able scored over 100.

Children entitled to FSM in this cohort scored 104,99, 91 and 104 respectively

Supporting other schools;   

Lytham Hall Park Primary School- inducting a new EY teacher prior to inspection (Outstanding judgement.)

Strike Lane Primary, Freckleton – support for teacher on support programme – FS improved.

St Wilfrid’s primary School, Lancaster, satisfactory to good.

Name:

Gail Yeadon

Current School:

Blackpool Sixth Form College

Title:

Deputy Principal

Sector focus:

Secondary

Area of expertise: Teaching & Learning I started my teaching career as a teacher of MFL at KS3, 4 and 5 in a large 11-18 school (5 years’ experience), I then ran a MFL department in a rural 11-16 secondary school and progressed to Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for teaching and learning (9 years’ experience). I later spent 4 years as Vice Principal, also responsible for teaching and learning, at an 11-16 academy, which was one of the first Teaching Schools. In June 2012, I moved to Blackpool Sixth where I am Deputy Principal. In my current role, I maintain a specialism in teaching, learning and assessment as well as leadership and management.

Inspirational quote: "When you're surrounded by people who share a passionate commitment around a common purpose, anything is possible." Howard Schultz (CEO Starbucks).

At Hodgson Academy, teaching and learning moved from 78% good or better and 34% outstanding to 93% good or better and 60% outstanding during my time as Vice Principal i/c Teaching and Learning in 2008. I have supported schools in Wiltshire, Lincolnshire and Somerset in the leadership of teaching and learning, specifically in moving lessons from good to outstanding. I have focused on developing and embedding systems and structures which facilitate outstanding teaching and learning. Some of the evaluations are below: “I felt that you and the presentation today was truly inspirational. It was great to see advice given on a practical level … I see lots of the ideas you disseminated this afternoon working in my own department” Alex Protheroe, Head of Physical Education, The Stonehenge School “It was truly inspirational and our staff gained a lot from it … I hope to incorporate some of your ideas and practices into my vision for our school … thank you for an extremely worthwhile and enlightening afternoon.” Carolyn Kerr, Assistant Headteacher, the Stonehenge School More recently, I have worked with two middle leaders in a local high school on conducting “challenging conversations” with staff. They said the work we’d done “could influence the culture of our school in terms of a move to prioritise teaching and learning” and said it was “incredibly/extremely useful”.